Golden State Is The First Team To Ban Fans From Attending Due To Coronavirus

Golden State Is The First Team To Ban Fans From Attending Due To Coronavirus: Fans With Tickets Will Receive A Refund

The Golden State Warriors will be the first NBA team to take what some consider drastic measures for the public’s safety amid the growing fear and concern with the COVID-19 (a.k. coronavirus) pandemic.

On Wednesday (March 11th), the team took to social media to announce the Warriors’ plans to continue their regular schedule game against the Brooklyn Nets, but fans will not be allowed to attend. They wrote:

“Due to escalating concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, and in consultation with the City and County of San Francisco, tomorrow night’s game vs. the Nets at Chase Center will be played without fans. Fans with tickets to this game will receive a refund in the amount paid.”

According to reports, the team’s decision followed an order from the San Francisco Health Office prohibiting events where 1,000 or more people assemble. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have said that more than 8,500 specimens have been tested for the coronavirus across the U.S.

Here is a map of the cases around the U.S.:

In addition, several notable concerts and daytime talk shows have taken additional measures of their own in response to the COVID-19 pandemic including the Wendy Williams Show, Coachella, and The View.

Over the weekend (March 7th), team doctor, Robert Nied determined Warriors star guard, Steph Curry was infected with influenza A. In a statement, the team reveals,

“This morning Stephen Curry was diagnosed with influenza A, by a positive ciral testing. We have identified his probable source contact who is not part of basketball operations.”

Thankfully, the team doctor also confirmed that Curry’s illness has nothing to do with the ongoing coronovirus (COVID-19), that is spreading fear around the world with multiple deaths.

Steph Curry

Over the last home games, the Warriors have outlined additional safety measures that have already been implemented which include:

• Cleaning staff have been added to each event and are strictly dedicated for wiping down surfaces, along with using hospital-grade disinfectant spray throughout the arena.
• Elevator attendants are equipped with wipe containers and sanitizing elevators regularly.
• All areas of the building, including every seat, are being wiped down and disinfected prior to and following each event.

• Extra soap is available in all restrooms and hand-sanitizer has been placed throughout the arena.

• All doors and door handles are being sanitized regularly.Installed signage and reminders for personal hygiene throughout the arena for all attendees and staff.

As previously reported, LeBron James changed his stance as more professional and college teams have begun to take additional steps to protect against the spread of the virus. On Tuesday (March 10th), King James said after a team practice that he had no idea of the severity of the illness and the safety precautions being made.

“It’s funny because when I was asked the question of ‘Would you play with no fans,’ I had no idea that it was actually a conversation going on behind closed doors about the particular virus. Obviously, I would be very disappointed not having the fans, because that’s what I play for, my family and my fans.”

With the benefit of more information, LeBron James has revised his stance on not playing if fans aren’t allowed and said he’ll listen to experts. Here he also discusses whether the new media rules make him feel safer. pic.twitter.com/1mmgoXLEtE

— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) March 10, 2020

What are your thoughts on NBA fans being prohibited from attending games? Let us know in the comments!